COUNCIL leaders from the region are stepping-up pressure for devolved powers.

Authority bosses – including Bradford Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe – are calling on the Government to work with them to deliver a ‘One Yorkshire’ devolution deal.

They say the move could give a £30 billion-a-year boost to the region and the UK.

The case for devolution, which would include the election of a One Yorkshire mayor in 2020, has been submitted to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary, James Brokenshire.

It includes the findings of an independent study which concluded that a devolution deal for the region could unlock benefits worth up to £5,400 per person. The research identified areas where Yorkshire-level devolution could make a significant impact, including transport, exports, inward investment and higher-level skills.

Preservation of the Yorkshire brand and identity also emerged as a key finding, with businesses considering it an important asset in national and international markets.

Cllr Hinchcliffe, who also chairs the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: “In West Yorkshire we are already making huge progress through the delivery of our £1bn Growth Deal, but to go further and faster in delivering for all our communities we need to take this next step towards devolution.

“The submission, supported by the independent economic study, shows that by using devolved powers and money to address the challenges we face as a region we could add up £30bn a year in output. I hope we can work constructively with the Government to deliver this exciting vision.”

Her comments are echoed by Cllr Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council and a combined authority member.

She said: “We are presenting a compelling case to the Government to work with us to deliver an ambitious devolution deal unlocking significant benefits for our communities and the UK.”

The call is also supported by North Yorkshire County Council. Its leader, County Cllr Carl Les, said: “We want the best possible future for our communities right across North Yorkshire. Devolution is a way of getting the funding and decision-making powers to do that faster.